Midrashim
If you have watched ARBA4 you know that we have titled our program “Midrashim” (מדרש’ם).  This Hebrew word means interpretation, exposition, study and homily.  We have chosen this title because the interpretation of the Torah (תוֹרה) is of essential obligatory for our society.  While there are a great number of teachers far more eloquent, this […]

Shoelaces
How can shoelaces be spiritual?
A Rabbinic Maxim teaches us that some Rabbis taught their talmidim to make a conscious effort to see themselves being “bound” to HaShem when they tied (bound) their shoelaces.
When you put your shoes on think about “binding” yourself to HaShem.  Shoes are also the way we are able to walk […]

Josephus and the 613
Almost everyone in the field of scholarship is familiar with Josephus. His historical writings are most valuable for a multitude of scholarly endeavors. Few scholars have undertaken the time to embark on the daunting task of reading Josephus from cover to cover. Regardless, opinions of whom and what Josephus was all about […]

Modeh Ani
One the most positive prayers that we can offer is the modeh ani. Sources suggest that it should be said before we ever get out of bed. (This is my practice) Regardless, the modeh ani is our first contact with HaShem during the day. If we take the time to start the day by […]

Coming Classes
From Jerusalem to Athens.
This coming class will be a 13 week series on the departure from Jewish foundations towards “Roman” practices.
See the outline on the Coming Classes page
Also check out Current Class page

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Hanhagot
I was first introduced to the Hebrew word “hanhgot” while reading the voluminous work “Jewish Spiritual Practices” by Yitzhak Buaxbaum. In this work the word “hanhgot” is translated as “spiritual practices.” These practices were reportedly were prescribed by Rabbis for their talmidim (students). I have chosen to use them not as a means of […]

Why Focus on the Torah?
First let us define Torah. The Hebrew word “Torah” means “Teaching, instruction and discipline.” There is no doubt that the Torah is the first of all Biblical texts. As a result, the core of all Biblical understanding is found within the Chumash. The Hebrew word Chumash means “five,” indicating the first […]